Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Department: R&D

Reports To: Director of R&D

Location: Newark, Delaware

_______________________________________________________________________

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled mechanical engineer to join our R&D group, designing and improving our water-testing instruments.

The Mechanical Engineer reports to the Director of R&D and is responsible for the design, evaluation, improvement, and support of mechanical components, systems, and equipment used in LaMotte products and manufacturing processes. This position supports product development, equipment design, and continuous improvement initiatives through hands‑on mechanical engineering, problem-solving, and cross‑functional collaboration.

This role works closely with other R&D scientists and R&D engineers, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Maintenance to support new product development, equipment design, validation, and manufacturing readiness. The position is based at LaMotte’s Newark, DE facility with occasional travel to the Chestertown, MD location. Leadership or mentoring experience is a strong plus.

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensures engineering team members, contractors, and technical personnel work safely and comply with all applicable safe work practices and procedures
• Designs, develops, evaluates, and improves mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and equipment in support of new and existing products
• Provides mechanical engineering leadership throughout the product development lifecycle, including concept development, prototyping, testing, and transition to manufacturing
• Develops mechanical specifications, drawings, and documentation to support product and equipment designs
• Reviews and approves mechanical drawings, models, and design changes
• Troubleshoots mechanical design, performance, and reliability issues using sound engineering principles
• Works directly with vendors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers to resolve mechanical design and performance issues
• Supports Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and equipment validation activities as required
• Collaborates with Manufacturing, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure mechanical designs are manufacturable, reliable, and maintainable
• Supports capital equipment and tooling projects including design input, justification, installation, and startup
• Participates in or leads continuous improvement initiatives, design reviews, and problem‑solving activities
• Provides technical guidance, leadership, and mentoring to junior engineers, technicians, or cross‑functional team members as needed
• Attends project review meetings, cross‑functional design reviews, and Operations or R&D meetings as required
• Conducts oneself professionally and leads by example
• Maintains confidentiality of company and personnel information
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic engineering environment
• Demonstrates strong diligence, accountability, and commitment to integrity
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, move, or transport up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for extended periods during equipment evaluation or testing
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, lab coat, and chemical respirator as needed

Qualifications/Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (strongly preferred) or a related engineering discipline (required)
• 10–15 years of mechanical engineering experience, preferably within manufacturing, product development, or industrial environments
• Experience in Fusion and/or SolidWorks is required
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with mechanical system design, troubleshooting, and testing‑; preferably with submersible or waterproofing equipment, optics
• Prior leadership, project lead, or mentoring experience preferred
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Experience with mechanical design, equipment modification, and prototype development
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (including injection molding, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing) and mechanical systems
• Knowledge of modeling FEA would be preferred
• Experience supporting equipment or product transition from R&D to manufacturing
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance concepts, reliability, and continuous improvement practices
• Ability to work independently, follow guidance, and execute tasks with minimal supervision

Miscellaneous

• Notifies Supervisors/Managers of any product, equipment, safety, or personnel concerns and assists in resolution
• Provides feedback to identify training needs and participates in additional training as required
• Supports other engineering or manufacturing areas as needed
• Complies with all company policies, including personnel and safety policies

Environmental Factors/Physical/Mental Capabilities:

• Works indoors in a temperature‑controlled laboratory and manufacturing environment
• Routine exposure to chemicals, powders, testing solutions, and equipment noise (training and PPE provided)
• May perform work near machinery, test equipment, or ventilation systems
• Requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs
• Requires focused attention to detail, analytical thinking, and accuracy during design and testing activities

About Us:

LaMotte Company, a 100 year-old global industry leader in developing and manufacturing premier water analysis solutions, operating in Newark, DE, Chestertown, MD and Warwick, UK. Our products are used around the world to accurately, quickly, and conveniently test water in a multitude of applications.

LaMotte relies on the personal success of our employees. We offer competitive pay with performance and level increases based on skills and more.

LaMotte offers a range of different shifts such as mornings, afternoons, evenings, and 12-hour shifts between both facilities to fit employee’s needs. LaMotte offers paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. We have several employee events including holiday events, employee appreciation events, community events, employee engagement, etc.

Full-time employees, who regularly work at least 30 hours per week, are eligible for employer-provided insurance including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and supplemental insurance. Full-time employees are eligible to contribute to our 401(k) plan with an employer match available.

LaMotte is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws.